Sometimes we are so rushed we feel that we don’t have time to eat the healthiest foods. Having a few things on hand makes it easier to resist the not so good choices.

Since the pantry is often the starting point for a home cooked meal or a wholesome snack, it is smart to keep it stocked with some quality basics so good food can be readily available.

To start, organic.

Whole wheat unbleached flours are a great alternative to white flours. White flours are bleached and refined, meaning they have been processed. This makes their shelf life longer, helps keeps out insects and makes them appear nicer-looking, but completely strips them of their nutrients. Actual wheat grains look a whole lot different before this process. Selecting whole, natural grains instead of white flours ensures you will receive better nourishment.

Ingredients like sea salts, which provide minerals, peppercorns and dried or fresh herbs are also necessary for flavoring foods.

Other key items like dried beans, flaxseed, quinoa and whole oats make good pantry additions.

Rice is a staple in many homes but white rice, like white flour, is overly-processed making wild and brown rice smarter options since they are loaded with fiber and other nutrients.

Organic broths, which can also be vegetable based, and an assortment of condiments are good to keep handy.

Raw vegetables like potatoes and other things that like dark spaces such as spices and oils, are also good to have accessible.

Natural sweeteners like blackstrap molasses and local honey can be used in place of refined sugars.

Beverages like fair trade cocoas, coffees and green tea are nice to add and will last for months if tightly sealed.

Even if you don’t cook that often a pantry is a great place to store energy rich snacks like nuts, seeds, granola and whole wheat goods.

As for keeping items fresh, everything doesn’t have to be put in plastic storage containers. The pantry is the perfect place for reusing glass jars and other sealable food safe containers. You don’t have to have a full pantry to reap the benefits of having nutritional ingredients available, though. A designated cupboard, closet or even a sturdy storage cart can be turned into a space to keep your food.